A question people quite often ask me is if paying a few more dollars for a bottle of wine is really worth it. Do you really get a better wine? Is the difference noticeable? The answer, as infuriating as it may be, is sometimes. Price doesn't necessarily equate with quality and every wine is different.
However, if you want to see the leap in quality a few dollars can bring, then try Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (CSPC# 35386, $18.95), in the Vintages section. This is the type of wine that earned New Zealand its reputation as a world leader in Sauvignon Blanc production. It is also a wine that has a stellar track record with a string of superb vintages that threatens to stretch into decades. More importantly for us, the quality of this wine is readily apparent to the average wine drinker.
You say you need more enticement to part with your hard earned cash? How about descriptors such as elegant, complex, rich, outstanding, mouth-watering, brimming with flavour, exceptional wine and amazing value? These are the adjectives the world wine press used to describe Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2009.
The best description I remember of the nose of a wine came from a colleague, years ago. Asked for his impressions, he smiled and simply stated that the nose made him want to taste the wine. That's the case with this wine. The nose is enticing, open and complex with aromas of citrus, melon, fig, tropical fruit and the grassiness expected of classic Sauvignon.
The palate fulfills the promise of the nose with a rich, almost creamy texture and boasts a complexity to rival the nose. Grapefruit, pineapple, peach, melon, passion fruit, and green apple fruit are all present with a light peppery herbaceousness (think basil or oregano). Fresh, invigorating citrus acidity provides perfect counterpoint to the ample fruit. The finish is zesty, refreshing, persistent and quite memorable, presenting a different flavour profile on every sip.
This is a wine that is light enough for sipping, yet has the structure and depth of flavour to match with a variety of cuisine. Translation, you can enjoy a glass while preparing the meal! Seafood such as mussels, oysters and shrimp would provide a good starting point. Dishes such as asparagus, goat cheese, hummus, roasted vegetables and grilled freshwater fish with herbs and lemon would also do very nicely. Enjoy!
